Approximately 150 Soldiers assigned to the Michigan Army National Guard 1436th Engineer Company (EN CO), based in Montague, gathered with their families and invited guests at Montague High School as they prepared to depart for their deployment to the Middle East.
“The Michigan National Guard maintains a high level of readiness, continuously prepared to deploy and serve our nation’s interests at a moment’s notice,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “These Soldiers serve with an unrelenting dedication to their mission and we, in turn, must continue to make sure their families feel supported during their time away from home.”
“Our Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office is vital to the success of our Soldiers as they deploy overseas in support of U.S. Central Command,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lawrence E. Schloegl, assistant adjutant general and deputy director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “Through outreach, programming and the strength of our communities, we will support these families as they support their loved ones serving our nation.”
This will be the third deployment for the 1436 EN CO, known by their slogan, ‘Show the path, lead the way.’ The unit’s last deployment was September 2010 to Kuwait with missions into Iraq. The Soldiers are anticipated to be deployed for up to a year.
“We will be operating under Operation Spartan Shield and our mission is to conduct general construction operations throughout the area,” said U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Robinson, commander of the 1436th EN CO. “Our Soldiers will be constructing parking lots, hangars, housing and other necessary military construction while in theater.”
The Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office provides support and care for service members and families of the Michigan National Guard while enhancing the readiness and well-being of their military families through information, education, programs and resources. They may be reached at 1-888-MICH-FAM.
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